Roll out your rolls!

October 12, 2017

So after I filmed this informational video about the benefits of foam rolling, I decided to take my own advice to try to foam roll more. I have noticed a difference with my recovery and Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is the pain and stiffness felt in muscles several hours to days after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise.

A foam roller is an exercise device used for massage and fitness. It helps soothe tight, sore areas (known as “trigger points”) and speed up muscle recovery. This process of rolling out tight muscles and relieving tension is also called myofascial release.

Benefits

Rings out your connective tissue and organs

Tightens your skin

Sculpts your muscles to be more long and lean. Who doesn’t want that?

Helps workout recovery

Provides better mobility

Relieves stress

Improves physical performance and blood circulation

Helps with hangovers

Helps reduce the lumpy appearance of cellulite

How does it work?

Foam rolling strengths the fascia, which is the connective tissue that covers your entire body. Funners this is also really good for you because the fascia can also stiffen with repetitive motions such as distance running. So you Funners make sure you roll before and after a workout and roll away those rolls.

What to expect

If you’ve never rolled before, you should know that rolling is a little painful and uncomfortable and feel as if your muscles have been worked because you are essentially rolling out the knots. However DO NO not push yourself to the point of excessive soreness or pain and don’t roll over any joints or your stomach.

Foam Rolling exercises

Here are some helpful instructional links I found for foam rolling exercises.